Tire dealer Kal Tire launches test program for buyers

Canadian tire dealer Kal Tire is the first retailer to independently test tires in Canada in the same conditions that drivers face in the winter, proving drivers with the objective information they need to choose the right tire.

In the first phase of Kal’s tire testing, 12 passenger and seven light truck tires from the company’s core line-up of three-season, all-weather, and winter tire categories were subjected to 10 rigorous tests. These included braking and cornering in dry, wet and ice conditions as well as hydroplaning, slush straight line stability, slush cornering and road noise tests.

The independent tire testing company hired by Kal Tire conducted tests in order to determine how the tires would perform against slippery intersections, patches of black ice, puddles during winter rains and highway slush amid fog.

To ensure accurate results, variables such as track temperature and wind temperature were monitored. Industry-leading technology was used to measure precise driving lines, speed, GPS information and g-force measurements of each vehicle. Multiple runs were conducted with each tire test to ensure accurate results.

Professional drivers used the same vehicles in the same weather conditions and repeated the tests at identical speeds without knowing the specifics of which tires were being tested at any given time.

With the drivers’ consistent precision, using expert driving techniques, and the handling of the tests in the same exact manner every time, Kal Tire is confident the results are objective and scientific.

About Author

Rachel's career in journalism began around five years ago when she started working for UKi Media & Events, having recently graduated from Coventry University where she studied the subject. Her favourite aspect of the job is interviewing industry experts, including researchers, scientists, engineers and technicians, and learning more about the ground-breaking technologies and innovations that are shaping the future of the automotive and tire industries.